SELF CARE TRADITIONAL HERBAL THERAPY FOR PSORIASIS

Background:  Psoriasis a skin ailment leading to frustration, stress and social isolation is a vital health problem to be addressed. Research in the area of herbal medicine and rejuvenation practice is based on the number of Random trials in the prevalence of a disease and a survey on the number of published in the journals indexed in the subject area. Objective: To document successful casestudies and suggest the progressive herbal treatment plan carried out in Rajendra Herbal Research and training centre. Methodology:In a survey of 1000 patients with reported skin problems undergoing traditional herbal and Ayurvedic treatment, 554 had scratchy itch related skin problems, 215 bite based blisters, 32 Hair related Allopecia, 47 White patch, 36 Black patch, 49 psoriasis and 67 patients had red rashes. The group had 518 males and 482 females. Five sets of skin patients were chosen for a cohort study with 0 to 70 years of age having151, 149, 149,154 &175nos.An experiment was designed to carryout a randomized double blind placebo controlled study in 140 psoriatic patients. Results: Random survey of 1000 skin patients and cohort study of five sets of herbal respondents of agegroup 0-70 were tabulated.Out of the 140 treated Psoriatics, sixcase studies presented with the treatment plan followed at the Rajendra Herbal Research centresshowedsuccesstowards positive health. Conclusion:In all the sets females out-numbered males with the prevalence of skin problems in 11 to 40 years of age. More females of the age group 41 to 50 ended up in Psoriatic arthritis and males with Diabetes. Rajendra supportive herbal therapy for Psoriasis promises social freedom and psychological harmony

Magnetic Properties of Textured Nanocrystalline Mn-Zn Ferrite Thin Films Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition.

MnxZn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles were chemically synthesized by co- precipitating metal ions in alkaline aqueous solutions. The XRD peaks match up to spinel ferrites without any multi phase indication and clear visibility of ferrite FT-IR absorption bands confirm single phase spinal formation. Particle size derived from XRD data is authenticated by TEM micrographs. Thin films fabricated from this material on quartz substrate by pulse laser deposition were characterised using XRD. The XRD data revealed formation of spinel structure with a reasonable degree of texture. AFM analysis confirms nano granular film morphology with dimensions comparable to that of target grain. Magnetic data obtained from textured nanocrystalline Mn-Zn ferrite thin film measurements made known enhanced coercivity. The observed enhanced coercivity is explained with due consideration of film texture and surface disorder that originated from Mn concentration specific initial adsorption prior to nucleation, resulting in directional film growth

NOVEL APPROACH IN E-LEARNING TO IMBIBE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

ABSTRACT Real world problems are often felt to be somebody else's problems. By transferring the real world problems to the virtual world the player experiences the gravity of the situation first hand, as he/she is forced to solve the problems of environmental degradation faced by his/her virtual town. This game, through the concept of infotainment aspires to help average individuals of all age groups to understand the importance of environment protection and enhancement and learn to lead an eco-friendly life. While the game is simple to play, the learning process is facilitated because all the available solutions to protect the Environment will be researched and implemented in the game. Players and spectators will subconsciously learn various methods to protect the environment

Synthesis, structural and morphological property of BaSnO3 nanopowder prepared by solid state ceramic method.

BaSnO3 is a cubic perovskite-type oxide that behaves as an n-type semiconductor with a wide band gap of 3.4 eV and remains stable at temperatures up to 1000{deg}C. It has wide applications such as thermally stable capacitors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, etc. Barium stannate has also been used in optical applications, in capacitors and ceramic boundary layers, and as a promising material to produce gas phase sensors for the detection of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. BaSnO3 powder was prepared by solid state ceramic method. X-ray diffraction pattern of the prepared sample presents all the characteristic peaks of cubic phase of BaSnO3 (JCPDScard no: 15 -0780). The lattice constant for the compound was calculated and found to be 4.101A0 which is in agreement with the reported value (4.112A0). The average size of the crystallites estimated by Debye Scherrer's formula was found to be 49 nm shows the nanostructured nature. The Raman bands observed ~ 139, 833 and 1122 cm-1 can be assigned on the basis of the fundamental vibrations of SnO6 octahedron which has Oh symmetry, in the distorted perovskite structure. The SEM image shows a porous surface morphology with grains of cuboidal structure with well-defined grain boundaries. UV-Visible spectra shows BaSnO3powder exhibit high reflectance in the 400-700 nm range

Deciphering mollusc shell production: the roles of genetic mechanisms through to ecology, aquaculture and biomimetics

Most molluscs possess shells, constructed from a vast array of microstructures and architectures. The fully formed shell is composed of calcite or aragonite. These CaCO3 crystals form complex biocomposites with proteins, which although typically less than 5% of total shell mass, play significant roles in determining shell microstructure. Despite much research effort, large knowledge gaps remain in how molluscs construct and maintain their shells, and how they produce such a great diversity of forms. Here we synthesize results on how shell shape, microstructure, composition and organic content vary among, and within, species in response to numerous biotic and abiotic factors. At the local level, temperature, food supply and predation cues significantly affect shell morphology, whilst salinity has a much stronger influence across latitudes. Moreover, we emphasize how advances in genomic technologies [e.g. restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) and epigenetics] allow detailed examinations of whether morphological changes result from phenotypic plasticity or genetic adaptation, or a combination of these. RAD-Seq has already identified single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with temperature and aquaculture practices, whilst epigenetic processes have been shown significantly to modify shell construction to local conditions in, for example, Antarctica and New Zealand. We also synthesize results on the costs of shell construction and explore how these affect energetic trade-offs in animal metabolism. The cellular costs are still debated, with CaCO3 precipitation estimates ranging from 1-2 J/mg to 17-55 J/mg depending on experimental and environmental conditions. However, organic components are more expensive (~29 J/mg) and recent data indicate transmembrane calcium ion transporters can involve considerable costs. This review emphasizes the role that molecular analyses have played in demonstrating multiple evolutionary origins of biomineralization genes. Although these are characterized by lineage-specific proteins and unique combinations of co-opted genes, a small set of protein domains have been identified as a conserved biomineralization tool box. We further highlight the use of sequence data sets in providing candidate genes for in situ localization and protein function studies. The former has elucidated gene expression modularity in mantle tissue, improving understanding of the diversity of shell morphology synthesis. RNA interference (RNAi) and clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats - CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) experiments have provided proof of concept for use in the functional investigation of mollusc gene sequences, showing for example that Pif (aragonite-binding) protein plays a significant role in structured nacre crystal growth and that the Lsdia1 gene sets shell chirality in Lymnaea stagnalis. Much research has focused on the impacts of ocean acidification on molluscs. Initial studies were predominantly pessimistic for future molluscan biodiversity. However, more sophisticated experiments incorporating selective breeding and multiple generations are identifying subtle effects and that variability within mollusc genomes has potential for adaption to future conditions. Furthermore, we highlight recent historical studies based on museum collections that demonstrate a greater resilience of molluscs to climate change compared with experimental data. The future of mollusc research lies not solely with ecological investigations into biodiversity, and this review synthesizes knowledge across disciplines to understand biomineralization. It spans research ranging from evolution and development, through predictions of biodiversity prospects and future-proofing of aquaculture to identifying new biomimetic opportunities and societal benefits from recycling shell products.FCT: UID/Multi/04326/2019; European Marine Biological Research Infrastructure Cluster-EMBRIC (EU H2020 research and innovation program) 654008; European Union Seventh Framework Programme [FP7] ITN project 'CACHE: Calcium in a Changing Environment' under REA 60505; NERC Natural Environment Research Council NE/J500173/1info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Independent and combined effects of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene, and improved complementary feeding, on child stunting and anaemia in rural Zimbabwe: a cluster-randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Child stunting reduces survival and impairs neurodevelopment. We tested the independent and combined effects of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and improved infant and young child feeding (IYCF) on stunting and anaemia in in Zimbabwe. METHODS: We did a cluster-randomised, community-based, 2 × 2 factorial trial in two rural districts in Zimbabwe. Clusters were defined as the catchment area of between one and four village health workers employed by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care. Women were eligible for inclusion if they permanently lived in clusters and were confirmed pregnant. Clusters were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to standard of care (52 clusters), IYCF (20 g of a small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement per day from age 6 to 18 months plus complementary feeding counselling; 53 clusters), WASH (construction of a ventilated improved pit latrine, provision of two handwashing stations, liquid soap, chlorine, and play space plus hygiene counselling; 53 clusters), or IYCF plus WASH (53 clusters). A constrained randomisation technique was used to achieve balance across the groups for 14 variables related to geography, demography, water access, and community-level sanitation coverage. Masking of participants and fieldworkers was not possible. The primary outcomes were infant length-for-age Z score and haemoglobin concentrations at 18 months of age among children born to mothers who were HIV negative during pregnancy. These outcomes were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. We estimated the effects of the interventions by comparing the two IYCF groups with the two non-IYCF groups and the two WASH groups with the two non-WASH groups, except for outcomes that had an important statistical interaction between the interventions. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01824940. FINDINGS: Between Nov 22, 2012, and March 27, 2015, 5280 pregnant women were enrolled from 211 clusters. 3686 children born to HIV-negative mothers were assessed at age 18 months (884 in the standard of care group from 52 clusters, 893 in the IYCF group from 53 clusters, 918 in the WASH group from 53 clusters, and 991 in the IYCF plus WASH group from 51 clusters). In the IYCF intervention groups, the mean length-for-age Z score was 0·16 (95% CI 0·08-0·23) higher and the mean haemoglobin concentration was 2·03 g/L (1·28-2·79) higher than those in the non-IYCF intervention groups. The IYCF intervention reduced the number of stunted children from 620 (35%) of 1792 to 514 (27%) of 1879, and the number of children with anaemia from 245 (13·9%) of 1759 to 193 (10·5%) of 1845. The WASH intervention had no effect on either primary outcome. Neither intervention reduced the prevalence of diarrhoea at 12 or 18 months. No trial-related serious adverse events, and only three trial-related adverse events, were reported. INTERPRETATION: Household-level elementary WASH interventions implemented in rural areas in low-income countries are unlikely to reduce stunting or anaemia and might not reduce diarrhoea. Implementation of these WASH interventions in combination with IYCF interventions is unlikely to reduce stunting or anaemia more than implementation of IYCF alone. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UK Department for International Development, Wellcome Trust, Swiss Development Cooperation, UNICEF, and US National Institutes of Health.The SHINE trial is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1021542 and OPP113707); UK Department for International Development; Wellcome Trust, UK (093768/Z/10/Z, 108065/Z/15/Z and 203905/Z/16/Z); Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; US National Institutes of Health (2R01HD060338-06); and UNICEF (PCA-2017-0002)

Experimental investigation of pupil-fill factors as process window indicators for dry optical lithography

The underlying fundamental working principle of a OPL system is an inverse of the microscope. Instead of projecting a magnified image from a small object, a step-scan machine, as an OPL system is alternatively known, produces either a demagnified aerial image in air or a demagnified latent image in a photosensitive polymeric film from anobject, a photomask in this instant. Hence, classical theory formulated for microscopy, such as those of Abbe and Kohler, has been adapted to model a step-scan machine. This work reports an investigation of the accuracy of a recently proposed pupil-till factor as a process window indicator, for the purpose of rapid optimization of resolution enhancement techniques that employ attenuated phase shift mask and off-axis illumination. The concept of pupil-fill factor (PFF) formulation is based on and adapted from the Abbe’s summation of coherent source point theory for partial coherent imaging as well as classical waves interference theory. In a nutshell, the pupil fill factor correlates the weightage of the zeroth diffraction order and first diffraction order of the illumination at the fourier plane of the step-scan system to final image. The investigation focuses on the lithographic printing of periodic line-space features and process parameters that influence the optical wavefront such as transmission values of the phase-shifting features on attenuated phase shift mask, partial coherence of off-axis illumination source and pitch size of the periodic line features. The process parameters are varied and the corresponding variations of the PFF values are compared with that of process window results obtained experimentally and numerically. According to the proposed hypothesis, the PIT values would vary inversely with respect to that of the process window results. The results suggest that the PFF ‘values provides a rather good indication of the experimental process window results in some data set but lacks the consistency in this context. The lack of consistency may be attributed to the negligence of considerations such as the photochemistry interaction between the photoresist and optical irradiation, numerical aperture and feature sizc. The PFF is intended to be developed as a fast approximation tool to assist in computation time reduction of numerical optimization of resolution enhancement techniques employed in step-scan machines. Time efficient simulation plays an important role in semiconductor manufacturing, an industry characterized by its high cost and high volume of production. High resolution optical microscopy computation maybe another possible field in which PFF may be applied. Keywords: pupil-fill factor, process window, resolution enhancement techniques, optical projection lithography.Master of Science (Precision Engineering

Who are the vulnerable, and how do we reach them? Perspectives of health system actors and community leaders in Kerala, India

Abstract Background Among the core principles of the 2030 agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the call to Leave no One behind (LNOB), a principle that gained resonance as the world contended with the COVID-19 pandemic. The south Indian state of Kerala received acclaim globally for its efforts in managing COVID-19 pandemic. Less attention has been paid, however, to how inclusive this management was, as well as if and how those “left behind” in testing, care, treatment, and vaccination efforts were identified and catered to. Filling this gap was the aim of our study. Methods We conducted In-depth interviews with 80 participants from four districts of Kerala from July to October 2021. Participants included elected local self-government members, medical and public health staff, as well as community leaders. Following written informed consent procedures, each interviewee was asked questions about whom they considered the most “vulnerable” in their areas. They were also asked if there were any special programmes/schemes to support the access of “vulnerable” groups to general and COVID related health services, as well as other needs. Recordings were transliterated into English and analysed thematically by a team of researchers using ATLAS.ti 9.1 software. Results The age range of participants was between 35 and 60 years. Vulnerability was described differentially by geography and economic context; for e.g., fisherfolk were identified in coastal areas while migrant labourers were considered as vulnerable in semi-urban areas. In the context of COVID-19, some participants reflected that everyone was vulnerable. In most cases, vulnerable groups were already beneficiaries of various government schemes within and beyond the health sector. During COVID, the government prioritized access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination among marginalized population groups like palliative care patients, the elderly, migrant labourers, as well as Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes communities. Livelihood support like food kits, community kitchen, and patient transportation were provided by the LSGs to support these groups. This involved coordination between health and other departments, which may be formalised, streamlined and optimised in the future. Conclusion Health system actors and local self-government members were aware of vulnerable populations prioritized under various schemes but did not describe vulnerable groups beyond this. Emphasis was placed on the broad range of services made available to these “left behind” groups through interdepartmental and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Further study (currently underway) may offer insights into how these communities – identified as vulnerable – perceive themselves, and whether/how they receive, and experience schemes designed for them. At the program level, inclusive and innovative identification and recruitment mechanisms need to be devised to identify populations who are currently left behind but may still be invisible to system actors and leaders

Development and validation of a treatment compliance assessment scale for clients with mental illnesses

Background: Treatment compliance improves mental health and facilitates the resolution of the underlying illness. An accurate assessment of treatment compliance is necessary for effective and efficient treatment planning and for ensuring that changes in health outcomes can be attributed to the recommended regimen. Aim: This study aimed to develop a treatment compliance assessment scale for clients with mental illnesses and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Methodology: The initial questionnaire was developed through the Delphi expert consultation, pilot study, and semistructured interview. The instrument was applied to 130 clients attending the outpatient services of a tertiary care hospital in North India. Results: A seven-item clinician-rated questionnaire was formed in which exploratory factor analyses yielded two factors, including medication compliance and attitude toward current treatment. The instrument was found to have a good internal consistency (Chronbach's alpha was 0.932), split-half reliability (Guttman's split-half coefficient − 0.838), and test–retest reliability (0.882). The concurrent validity of demonstrated a significant correlation with the 12-item Medication Adherence Rating Scale at P ≤ 0.01. Conclusion: The clinician-rated treatment compliance assessment scale was found to be a valid instrument for assessing treatment compliance among patients with mental illnesses with adequate psychometric properties